#PCOS fertility awareness | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

macapacaalpaca · 8 months

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One year on since I made the post that I had been terrified to make, yet it reached such a wide and wonderful audience.

Since it’s PCOS awareness month for 2023, I just want to send the biggest hug to every single woman who is fighting the same battle. I know it’s exhausting. I know that it physically and emotionally hurts like hell. I know that it feels like nobody will ever fully understand. But if I can get through it, so can you.

I finally got to work with an endocrinology consultant who I owe so much to, for listening to me and taking every symptom and detail on board. We’re working on a treatment plan which has been trial and error (at times there was a lot of error, and that’s totally okay) but I’m finally starting to see small changes that indicate that I’m responding to treatment, which is such a relief.

The amount of hospital and GP visits, tests, stress and times where I’ve been left in so much pain that I wasn’t able to move taught me that I really need to enjoy every moment of this life. So that’s what I’ve been doing as much as I can. So far this year I’ve got a city apartment, appeared on national TV for my work in social innovation, travelled to some of my bucket list destinations and achieved some life goals that at one stage felt like they would only ever be dreams.

Also, today I finally got to meet and hold one of the newest additions to my (very large) extended family. It’s moments like these that make me pray one day I’ll become a momma and be able to hold my own little miracle in my arms, because there is nothing more precious than the gift of life, or the amount of love a little one can fuel you with.

I wish the same for everyone else who shares the same dream. Nobody could ever describe the hurt that comes with being told you’ll struggle with your fertility, but I’m a strong believer in miracles. One day, they will be ours, and until then we will continue to fight 🙏

If anyone has any questions about the help and treatment I’ve been getting, or just wants somebody to talk to, because I know how easy it is to feel isolated, please reach out to me. There is nothing I’d like more than to support and help others, because I know just how hard it is. But I promise you’re never alone 🩵

#pcos awareness month #pcos awareness #pcos #polycystic ovarian syndrome #polycystic ovary syndrome #pcos support #pcos women #women’s health #infertility

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800-dick-pics · 2 months

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seeing posts dismissing the fertility/body awareness method for not getting pregnant and its like........its actually something you need to learn and plan for not something you can just pick up. The reason birth control and condoms are so effective are bc they cut down on human mistakes/error. With FAM you need to track 2-3 different things almost daily to know when you absolutely need to use a condom to prevent conception and days where it is fine to not use a condom bc youre nowhere near ovulation.

yes use condoms and birth control if you WANT TO, but if you dont want to use condoms or birth control INVEST in to the fertility awareness method, and i really mean mentally and physically invest into the system.

Fertility/body awareness is a TOOL! for you to not get pregnant or for you to increase your chances of getting pregnant, for you to track your cycles, or pcos, or transition into menopause, or to see if youve/about to miscarry

Being in the birth work field has opened my whole brain to things most ppl dont know of, and most people dont know the hows or whys behind fertility/body awareness. Its ok if you personally dont trust something you dont understand, or feel like it wouldn't work for your health. But truly FAM is a huge topic and you should be educated on what it is before discounting the science behind a certain contraceptive method.

#me #personal #vent #im not gonna get into my health or sex life but please stop dismissing the fertility awareness method #Many people dont want to be pregnant but also dont want to be on birth control or wear condoms and thats ok!#There are options for everyone!#And if its not for you congrats! but you know whats not for a lot of ppl? bc and barrier methods #some ppl dont have access some ppl cant use bc for health issues and some ppl have sensory issues with barriers #and some people just choose not to use either bc they dont want to #Stop being weird and shaming ppl for their choices esp bc youre not educating and expanding access to others

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pro-birth · 1 year

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I use the BabyCenter app (and recommend it’s use) for tracking my kids’ development and having the database handy to look up quick info.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have reliable information on fertility awareness based methods (FABMs). Even on their ONE article covering fertility awareness options, it lumps ALL of them together as “the rhythm method” and does not share all FABM options and organizations that teach them.

This is why people think it’s to teach or talk about FABMs as an option for health or family planning. This is why the Biden Administration almost took away insurance coverage for learning fertility awareness. This is why no one is learning this valuable information as part of their sex ed. It’s because no one wants to talk about, invest in, or share research on alternatives to birth control.

This is not fully informed consent, it is not sex positive (how can we be positive about anything if we don’t understand it???) and women’s health suffers from this lack of available knowledge. Too many women are pushed into IVF when cheaper and more accurate (and safer!) options exist with FABMs at the foundation. Teen girls using FABM are more likely to be diagnosed early with endo or PCOS and prevent years of unmedicated damage. Women feel more empowered by their body’s abilities rather than fearful. This sets the foundation for respect that our bodies and experiences deserve.

It even had great possible applications for LGBT health — how much less traumatized would a trans boy/man be if they knew when to expect their period, or other symptoms of their cycle? How much more freeing is it for the GNC teen to feel secure in their body in a world that seeks to hyper-sexualize and commodify their experience as a human being?

Fertility awareness is knowledge of one’s fertility through observing biological signs of the menstrual cycle, and applying it however the user sees fit. This is true regardless of whether they choose to use it in a monogamous relationship, as a handy period tracker, or even just to inform themselves on how birth control and pregnancy works.

Keeping this knowledge away from mainstream medicine and healthcare is not the source of all our woes. But it sure stifles an ability to make things better than they are.

#ranting #fertility awareness #women’s health #lgbt #sexism #systemic sexism

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shadowealth · 11 months

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are you a linguist or etymologist? biologist? your posts are so fascinating and it seems like you have a wild amount of background knowledge, the way you connect all these seemingly disparate concepts with such detail. i especially love the connections you draw between PCOS and pearls. there’s something so intrinsic about eating and working with plants that have the visual appearance of oocytes/string of pearls; since quitting BC and trying to manage my PCOS with whole food/herbs/mindful practice, some of my greatest plant allies have been red raspberry (all her parts), barberry (berberine), and mugwort, as well as eating a lot of eggs.

once i developed a basic level of comfort and familiarity working with plants, i started noticing what “called out” to me as i walked in the woods, plants that would seem to stand out and appear to me over and over, and every single time i’d go home and research them i would find a connection with fertility, ovulation, or PCOS. i was camping once for a few days and started drinking yarrow and red clover tea because they were growing everywhere around where i set up, and i got my period a few days into the trip. it was my very first painless period, and since then i’ve been using yarrow regularly for menstrual pain, and red clover to help my cervical mucus production. the first few times this kind of thing happened to me, it blew my mind, and while it still never ceases to amaze me, i’ve pretty much come to expect it at this point. i’ve only met one other woman, also a fertility awareness practitioner and womb healer, who saw these kinds of connections and understood them to be legitimate and intrinsic. so i really love reading the connections you make and i feel so seen in your ability to make them. it’s really a gift, not in the sense of “i’m so gifted,” but in the sense of being a gift given to me by the circumstances of my life, including PCOS and including the descent into hell that modern gynecological “solutions” turned out to be for me. a gift i am able to receive only as a result of having walked the path of pain and suffering that drove me to finally take things into my own hands and tune into herbalism and body literacy.

so, i’m curious, if you feel comfortable answering, how did you come to think like this (i call it “mycelial thinking”), to make connections the way you do? it seems exceedingly rare and it’s incredibly refreshing. i’d love to hear about your source material, whether that’s life experiences, formal study, informal study, simple observation, etc. your words and thought processes on this blog are really something to behold, and i’m so grateful to have found them and to bear witness. <3

Hola chica

I consider myself a bootleg biologist. I have always been a decent writer. As a young child, I read the dictionary and chose words that I liked and would break them down in my mind. My parents called me Ms. Webster🕷️🕸️👩🏾‍💻 (after the dictionary) && still do til this day. I’ve always had my own way, but it wasn’t until my 9th & 11th grade English teachers + the word weaving of a very TRILL(ium) Oracle on Twitter that I began to learn & trust where my gnosis (MY NOSE, SIS !👃🏾) was taking me this entire time.

I am called::cauled by plants && that began as a teen. My mind is able to highlight data gathered thru various means::memes::memories. It could be as simple as a certain verse in a song & I observe that a plant really enjoys that song. It then takes my hand & leads me on a whole trip. From that trip, I aim and practice removing myself enough to tell the story that Data (Deity) wants told.

What’s peculiar about PCOS, as much as it is a curse, I find it to be a strange blessing (second chance). I was discussing it with another person I found on here @themadsorceressgrimoires. She attributes PCOS with Saturn (as do I, through the sign Libra in which Saturn is amiable with). The Master of Lessons.

Your circumstance (PCOS) has allowed you and others the opportunity (no choice) but to reconnect with the #outdoze in a way that’s tailored to you in a time%space where people’s lives are curated algorithmically. In a time%space where people can’t even hear the Voice of God no more. There are very few real experiences left…

The hypersensitivity that PCOS provides is a force that *makes* the ailed tune in. 📡

It is through your walk that you can see the horrors of gynecology, which can lead you (as it did me) to unearth so many other things that have been going on. From one connection to another, it’s all rooted in a genuine attempt to simply figure out what’s going on with you. And what you unearth heals not only yourself, but can also save the youth.

Despite the hormonal disorder, you and others who have taken the time to learn are being prepared to teach the young about the IMPORTANCE of their bodies, bc you have experienced the other side of that. Now, order is being restored through what looks (and feels) like a curse. Now, girls will know that it all begins and ends with their bodies.

Much like the pearl, an almost indestructible drop of beauty created by a wound.

Pain (not sadomasochism) tends to bring the sincerity (sense-airity) out of a person. And that’s what calls the plants to you.

Thank you for this message! Feel free to DM me

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butts-bouncing-on-the-beltway · 2 years

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Im trying to get pregnant and have PCOS. I'm about 5'3" and weigh 250. I exercise regularly, and my last fertility doctor was very hung up about my weight and wanted me to see a high risk pregnancy doctor before starting me on any ovulation meds. Im seeing a new doctor soon - do you have any resources for focusing the conversation back to fertility and not to weight? Or encouragement even.

I do!

So I'm going to start with the piece of guidance that is less validating because it's still necessary, and few doctors provide it with care and detail as they should. You deserve this information in a way you can actually make use of. I will wrap on guidance that is more affirming of the fact that this first guidance is genuinely not wholly in your control.

The reason that doctors recommend people with PCOS lose weight before trying to conceive is because fat cells produce their own estrogen. This can REALLY fuck up your body's ability to regulate your hormone production and conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Fewer fat cells = more hormonal regulation. Now, does this mean you have to get to a perfect BMI before you try to conceive? No! Absolutely not! But it does mean that if you can turn some fat mass into muscle mass, it could help the process go smoother.

Now for the guidance you haven't already heard ten thousand times already. Your immune system and your nervous system have a big impact on hormone regulation too. If you have a history of autoimmune disorders, trauma, or nervous system disregulation, that is going to dramatically alter your reproductive system's functioning. Make some notes about potential areas of concern related to these themes and present them to your new provider and ask for any appropriate screenings, tests, or supports.

The biggest thing though, is going to be your script. "I am handling my weight. I'd like to use my time with you as effectively as possible, so can we please focus on interventions and options that I am not already aware of?" Anytime the peovider reverts the conversation back to weight loss, repeat the script like a broken record. The first time you can add in details of what you may be doing things like "I get 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise 4 times a week, and eat healthy grains, fresh produce, and lean meats", or "I have been tested for diabetes before many times and it has never been a problem, you're welcome to test again if you feel the need, but I am not comfortable with other tests being delayed until after a diabetes test returns because I expect to know what the results will be", but after the first time you provide that detail *never do so again*. After the first time, whenever weight loss comes up, the only words out of your mouth are "I am handling my weight. I'd like to use my time with you as effectively as possible, so can we please focus on interventions and options that I am not already aware of?"

Keep your tone gentle, neutral, and non-combative. You're not starting an argument, you're redirecting the conversation back to the topics you need covered. If it helps, picture the doctor like a confused toddler who keeps repeating the same observation over and over. It's annoying, yes, you have better things to do, absolutely, but if you snap and escalate things by yelling or getting annoyed, you're in for a tantrum that will only make everyone's day worse, especially yours.

If you are comfortable making a log of your food and exercise for the past month or so before your appt, doctor's like that sort of thing, if not, feel free to simply communicate that information verbally. Doctors KNOW that PCOS makes it hard to lose weight. They KNOW that the very thing they're refommending to "treat" your infertility is made difficult or impossible by the very thing actually causing your infertility in the first place. Back them into a corner and force them to treat YOU. Not your weight. You deserve to have your medical needs seen as a whole, not merely as a number on a scale.

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drshivanisachdevgoursciivf · 1 year

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Demystifying Female Infertility: Exploring 5 Potential Causes

Female infertility is a complex condition that affects a significant number of women around the world. The inability to conceive can be emotionally challenging and often prompts a search for answers. While infertility can have various underlying causes, this article aims to shed light on five potential factors that may contribute to female infertility. By understanding these causes, individuals and healthcare professionals can work together to explore appropriate interventions and treatment options.

Hormonal Imbalances: One of the common causes of female infertility is hormonal imbalances. Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play vital roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and promoting ovulation. Any disruption in the delicate balance of these hormones can lead to irregular or absent ovulation, making it difficult for women to conceive.

Structural Abnormalities: Structural abnormalities within the reproductive system can also contribute to female infertility. Conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes can hinder the fertilization process or implantation of a fertilized egg. These conditions may require medical intervention or surgical procedures to restore fertility.

Age-related Factors: Advancing age is a significant factor that impacts female fertility. As women age, the quantity and quality of their eggs decline. The chances of chromosomal abnormalities and miscarriages increase, making it more challenging to conceive naturally. It is important for women to be aware of their reproductive timeline and seek assistance from healthcare professionals if they face difficulties in conceiving as they get older.

Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to female infertility. Obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug abuse, and high levels of stress can all have adverse effects on reproductive health. These factors can disrupt hormonal balance, interfere with ovulation, and affect the overall fertility of women. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can positively impact fertility.

Medical Conditions and Treatments: Certain medical conditions and treatments can also cause infertility in females. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and cancer can affect fertility. Additionally, treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can damage the reproductive organs and impair fertility. It is crucial for women with these conditions to consult with their healthcare providers to explore fertility preservation options before undergoing such treatments.

Conclusion: Understanding the potential causes of female infertility is crucial for women and healthcare professionals alike. By identifying these factors, individuals can take proactive steps to address and manage their reproductive health. It is important to remember that each case of infertility is unique, and a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. With advancements in medical science and fertility treatments, many individuals can still achieve their dream of starting a family despite facing infertility challenges.

Looking for a Free IVF Consultation with an IVF Specialist? Contact Dr. Shivani Sachdev Gour.

#infertility #ivf treatment #ivf doctors

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aurawomen · 1 month

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What is the Best Age to Get Pregnant with PCOS?

Navigating the journey of pregnancy with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can present unique challenges. Understanding the optimal age for conception with PCOS is essential for individuals and couples planning to start a family. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the critical factors influencing the best age to get pregnant with PCOS and offer expert advice to empower your fertility journey.

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jetaime-jespere · 2 years

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Is it true you aren’t better at getting pregnant than you are at well anything else. It must be hard knowing your husband sleeps around cuz you are rotten inside and can’t give him kids. I am surprised he hasn’t left you yet. Loser you will never be a good mother anyway that’s why god won’t give you a kid

I wasn’t going to answer this because it’s quite literally one of the most vile, disgusting things I’ve seen on here but you know what? How dare you? Also, not that you are justified one bit of a response, but I’m going to educate you a bit because the more awareness I can bring to help others understand infertility and all it entails is more important than your gross behavior. Your comment shows just how ignorant you are in understanding the complexity of infertility, because quite often there is no clear cut and dry “reason” or someone to point the finger at. Couples can have a completely normal battery of tests and no success without ART (assisted reproductive technology). This is called unexplained infertility. Infertility can be entirely male factor related (meaning there are sperm deficits that can be due to a myriad of things, many out of that person’s control.) It can be a mix of both. Things like endometriosis and PCOS can contribute greatly to female factor infertility. Google those. It’s never someone’s “fault” and you suggesting such is appalling. Please know that while science and technology have helped MANY couples start families, fertility treatment is not a guarantee. It’s quite literally thousands of dollars and often not covered by insurance. If we need to, my husband and I will be paying over $30,000 out of our own pocket for the chance of a baby. We are extremely privileged to be able to do so. It’s not the case for many. Treatment is often not successful the first try (and many times the second, third, fourth). The procedures and testing are invasive, at times uncomfortable, and time consuming. And that’s if there are NO complications of any kind. I can almost guarantee you know someone who is walking through an infertility journey. I wish I could show that person your cowardly anonymous message, and I hope that one day you don’t find yourself in my (and millions of others) shoes.

(And to anyone who might be struggling, please reach out to me if you’d like to. I’m always here.)

#asks #anonymous #i don’t respond to hate but I was not about to ignore this

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kkmedicalcentre · 2 years

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How effective is IVF treatment for PCOS?

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects about 10% of the female reproductive age population globally. The majority of these people have difficulties conceiving on their own. The main problem with this disease is the lack of occasional ovulation (which prevents regular egg production), which ultimately leads to infertility. Excessive male hormone levels are present in PCOS women, affecting a woman's metabolic system and leading to a variety of potentially complicated health problems.

As with many other fertility-related disorders, many women will not be diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome until they are having difficulty conceiving, particularly if the symptoms are moderate. In this case, raising awareness of PCOS is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

For further information, consult Dr. Kausha Shah one of the best Gynecologist in Dahisar

#Gynecologist in Dahisar

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thatmcgwords · 11 days

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Experts recommend women see a gynecologist at least once a year. ~ Toni Weschler, MPH

“Toni Weschler introduced the Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) in 1995 — a natural and effective birth control option — women still barely understood their menstrual cycles.”

Your menstrual cycle is not something that should be shrouded in mystery. ~ Toni Weschler

“Cervical fluids have two jobs:

• Assisting the sperm toward the egg.

• Preventing the sperm from entering the cervix.”

“Cervical fluids have two jobs:

• Assisting the sperm toward the egg.

• Preventing the sperm from entering the cervix.

The condition of cervical secretions can signal fertile times or hint at dysfunction. That said, FAM is essential knowledge for healthcare professionals and menstruating women to prevent any reproductive oddities. The method can detect problems such as:

• Lack of ovulation

• Late ovulation

• Infertile cervical fluid

• Hormonal imbalances

• Miscarriages”

“Most contraception aids demonstrate side effects, some of which are detrimental to female health:

• Oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast and cervical cancer.

• Intrauterine devices (IUDs) can cause chronic inflammation and painful menstruation.

• Diaphragms, cervical caps, and sponges can provoke vaginal infections.”

“FAM encourages observation of vaginal discharge during ovulation. For instance, changes in cervical fluid patterns are natural during that period. A wetter and stickier cervical fluid indicates high fertility, which happens days before ovulation. Another way to confirm a pregnancy is by observing your waking temperature. Rising body heat usually indicates successful ovulation, while estrogen lowers the physical temperature before the egg’s release.”

“You'll also notice an increase in cervical fluid before egg release. Increased progesterone causes an excess of non-fertile cervical fluid that prevents sperm from further entry.

Examine your cervical fluids right after your period.

• Focus on vaginal sensation; does it feel dry, sticky, or wet?

• Check if it stretches or breaks.”

“The most common female reproductive diseases include:

• Ovarian cysts

• Endometriosis

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)”

“The two most familiar types of cysts are functional and follicular cysts. The former develops within the body’s regular functions but continues growing beyond the normal size, causing irregular menstrual cycles. As for the latter, follicular cysts originate from egg follicles that enlarge into a cyst, preventing ovulation. Follicular cysts can resolve independently but may still cause chronic pelvic pain; progesterone injections or surgery can successfully treat these fluid-filled sacs.”

“During endometriosis, the waste products of menstruation remain inside the uterus, growing as cysts. The early stages of endometriosis can be challenging to detect as it takes time to accumulate the leftover uterine tissue and blood remnants. So, most of the time, it has already spread all over the ovary before doctors diagnose the condition.”

“p olycystic ovarian syndrome affects 5% to 10% of fertile women, presenting long-term health risks. The most common symptoms include:

• Irregular cycles lasting over 35 days

• Abnormally frequent cervical fluid release

• Facial or excessive hair

• Obesity

• Inability to conceive

Hormonal birth control and lifestyle changes can help manage the condition, but further professional intervention is necessary.”

The age of menopause is likely to concur in women of the same biological family. ~ Toni Weschler, MPH

“Fertility starts to diminish about thirteen years before menopause. If you'd like to preserve your eggs, seek testing for endometriosis, PCOS, and ovarian cysts. If any of these conditions come up on the radar, you must address them before pregnancy. In addition to aging, these ailments can significantly harm your fertility.”

…Women are fertile for only a fraction of the time men are. ~ Toni Weschler

“Any woman looking to have children in the future must check her ovaries early to know the number of fertile eggs left. The Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test and the Antral Follicle Count are standard fertility tests suitable for women of childbearing age. In addition, safe sex also reduces the chances of contracting STIs, preventing the scarring of fallopian tubes and preserving more fertile eggs.

If you plan to have children in your 30s or later, egg-freezing technologies may help you.”

“Whenever a woman is ready, she undergoes in vitro fertilization (IVF) to conceive a child artificially. However, the success rate of IVF is still low.

People looking to freeze their eggs must avoid surgery on their ovaries to prevent their mature eggs from scarring.”

“Male health is equally vital for smooth pregnancy and childbirth. That said, men must check their fertility as regularly as their opposite-sex partners.

The most common tests for male fertility are:

• Semen analysis

• Sperm penetration

• Sperm DNA

A semen analysis is the most common test to determine sperm activity. To perform it, urologists collect the semen and count the exact number of sperm with normal shape and motility.”

“men and women can improve their reproductive health by, first and foremost, changing their lifestyles. Lowering caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption or cutting it out completely is a good start. Focus more on low-carb and low-glycemic diets and drink at least eight cups of non-caffeinated liquids daily.

As for women, p remenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause are prevailing hormonal battles, with the most popular treatments including:

• Prescribed medications like diuretics, antidepressants, or mood stabilizers

• Osteopathy

• Hormone therapy

• Natural alternatives”

“Women going through menopause have to deal with:

• Sexual desire and sensitivity loss

• Lower energy

• Increased pubic hair

• Poor calcium levels

Furthermore, acupuncture and acupressure can harmonize your hormones and help you enter menopause with ease. The most important thing to remember is that menopause may jumble your hormones for a while, but it doesn’t steal your sensuality.

Did you know? A female is born with a lifetime’s worth of eggs.”

“Finally, it's worth reminding women that they don't have to give early birth to satisfy societal norms. Either way, you’re safe to freeze your eggs and have children when you’re mentally and financially ready.

Try this:

• Monitor your cervical fluid: An egg-white color signals upcoming or a recently finished ovulation.

• Try a luteinizing hormone (LH) urine test. This hormone spikes 24 hours before egg release.

• A slight increase in body temperature follows the fertile window. Measure your body heat regularly at the same time to notice a temperature change.”